I went in to get fish for my new aquarium. The inside was dark, and damp, and smelled like a lake bed. The guy at the counter (middle aged fellow with white hair) dismissed me rudely because I'm a first time aquarium owner. He didn't even look up from his magazine, just waved me off and told me to come back when I knew how to take care of an aquarium. He wouldn't even answer my questions about good beginner fish. I left, feeling embarrassed and dismissed. Ended up going to River City Aquatics where I was greeted enthusiastically and happily educated on how to choose the best fish for my aquarium. And they're all doing splendidly, no thanks to the Aquadome. read more

This is one of the best LFS in the Austin area. Not only does it look like "Patrick Star's" house, but it houses one of the best selections of saltwater fish and coral in the area. At first I was a bit concerned about the size of tiny quarters the fish are in but I think they must sell out so quickly that it probably doesn't matter. They always have a good selection and the fish are healthy, as compared to some other LFS in town. Though I would recommend quarantining any new addition from any store. Love their selection of coral too. Far superior to other locals. Their prices are also good. But the best part of that store is Hunter. He is very knowledgeable and patient with the customers. Actually, he should be cloned because on the weekends there is usually a line to get to Hunter and his sage advice. If you haven't been there yet, definitely check it out! -MichDFish, Bee Cave, TX read more

My boyfriend and I have a saltwater tank and we absolutely LOVE Austin Aqua-dome! When we first got the tank going, we tried several different stores around town but found our "home" at Austin Aqua-dome. The store really is like an aquarium, there are so many tanks to look at! Sometimes we go "just to look" but never leave empty handed. They have the best selection and get A LOT of new stuff in every single week. If you see something you like, get it! Because it's not going to hang around very long, trust me. You can't beat Aqua-dome on price and it is totally worth it to join the savings club. It's also great because saltwater tanks can get very expensive and they even have a great selection of smaller items and frags for as low as $4.99 One of the very best parts about visiting the dome is the service! All of the employees are awesome and extremely knowledgeable. They are always quick to say hello and so friendly and patient (this place gets super busy!) They give better advice about caring for your tank and the corals and fish in it than you can find anywhere on the internet. If you visit Austin Aqua-dome, you will not be dissapointed! Check them out on Facebook too, they post pics of new items! My bf and I typically go at least once a week. This place is FUN most of all! read more

Aqua-done has a wonderful selection of saltwater fish. Hunter is wonderful and very informative. Do not forget to buy the membership pass! read more

Man, I loves me some fishes... Not just the ones that go well with a lemon-wedge and some rice pilaf, but some stress reducing swimmers in the 30 gallon tank...Of course, Having just started my first tank about a year ago (salt water, no less) I needed as much help as I could get...Thankfully I found it at Aqua-dome... As others have said, the folks there are very "fish-smart" and super friendly...Patient, too, especially when dealing with a none-too-bright customer (ahem) who walks in the store looking for the "Finding Nemo-fish"...They took the time to show me the best way to set up my tank as well as which fish would get along best in a tank that size...Thanks to their information and helpfulness, my Lawnmower Blenny, Dragonet, Yellow-fin Damsel and Ocellaris "Nemo-fish" are all happy and healthy! ...Now if I can just get them to stop glaring at me when I have grilled Tilapia for dinner... read more

Me and my boyfriend make trips from San Antonio on a regular basis to get our fish here. Much can be said for their selection of fish and overall fish health. However, every single time we have come here every employee treats us VERY different than they treat others - and I tested this theory by watching how others are helped and spoken to. Whenever we are at the register or asking questions we are blown off, and often times stalked around the store as if we're stealing. The dark haired girl in particular treats us horribly no matter how polite we try to be - I have a habit of asking "how are you doing?" and saying "have a good one!" and every single time, without fail, she makes no eye contact and says nothing but my total and "thank you." Their betta fish are absolutely horrible though. They are in tiny capped jars and just today I saw one with literally no fins. How absolutely careless do you have to be to let a living thing slowly die in that way? Despicable. But again, we continue going back because they have such a large selection. But that is the one and only reason. I wish there was an alternative because I really do not appreciate the employees attitude. read more

I can't believe after all this time I had forgotten to write a review for one of my favorite weekend spots in Austin. First, I have to admit that my husband and I have an addiction to salt water fish and everything that goes with them. Not to eat, but to look at. When we moved down here just over a year ago we brought a 210 gallon salt water tank as well as our 29 gallon salt water and 75 gallon fresh water tank. We even shipped our fish, and they all made it! The Aquadome even let us ship our fish to them directly. They kept the salt water fish in one of their tanks in the store until we were able to get our small tank set up --and get this.... NO CHARGE! Gary, Hunter, and Teri are all awesome folks. They are very informed about what fish can go with what (without killing eachother or other things you have in the tank). They have very reasonable prices. We have also found that their livestock is pretty darn good. We have had a few deaths, but nothing outside of normal, and they always make good on these sorts of things. Whether or not you have a fresh or salt water tank, go to the Aquadome. You will expand your knowledge about fish and you will get some great additions to your tank/family!! read more

I went here today to have my tank and tap water tested....the staff was very friendly. I explained my problem, which no doubt sounded very stupid, and the lady who helped me was very helpful and very knowledgable. I am one of those people who mistakenly thought goldfish were 'simple'....well, I was wrong, and really appreciate anyone who can take the time to help me, and the 2/3 goldfish that are still alive. RIP Cleo. The hours of this place make it exceptionally convenient. Will definitely be relying on this place for all my aquatic needs of my life. read more

Austin Aqua-Dome is a unique , one of a kind place. Great staff that helped me get a replacement tank for a friend for just $14 . Personally, I love to just walk around and look at all the great fish, and water life. You have to check this place out if your living or visiting in Austin ! read more

I went to several other local fish stores looking for a nano reef tank, either they would have to order it or they were bored with my questions after a couple of minutes. I then called Aqua-dome, amazed, they had all the tanks I was considering in stock, no ordering, take it home now. I went to look and everyone was so nice and more than willing to help. Hunter, one of the sales people was very knowledgeable, patient, and willing to help, as was every one else there. They are so willing to work for your business, that a pump I needed later, that they were out of stock on, they wanted to take my number to call me when they got it in, and they called! Great selection of everything, fish, corals, accessories, the only place you need, go nowhere else! read more

Best fish store I have been too!! Very nice !!!!! Awesome customer service and a great deal of different fish. read more

Austin Aqua-Dome - Pet Stores Near Me - Austin, Texas

I think this is probably the best place in Austin in terms of variety and knowledgeable staff. They have both freshwater and saltwater sections. Upstairs is all saltwater, and it is really a cool place just to go and look at the variety of stuff they have there. All different types of fish organized by the region they originate from. Lots of coral, anemones, etc. etc. Also a good selection of freshwater stuff, plants, snails, tropical fish, etc. I have not seen selection this good anywhere else. However, I do feel that the prices are pretty high compared to, let's say a Petco. So, if you see two fish that are the same and both places have it, chances are that Petco will be a lot cheaper. So basically come here if you can't find what you need at the Petco, or if you just want a much larger selection, or just want to check out some cool looking fish and aquariums they have going there. read more

I'm so glad I did a little research before selecting aquashops to visit, because this place is an aquarium keepers paradise! So many selections of fish and plants, and countless aquariums well-kept to display healthy, happy fish and plants. It can be hard to keep focused on my objectives when there's so much to browse. Such great prices for the plants too. Very worth the extra 15 min drive to get there. I look forward to visiting again with more browsing money! read more

I could spend all day in here!!!! Wonderful staff. They are all awesome, but I am partial to the bearded one, he is super sweet and knows his fish! read more

Austin Aqua Dome has everything you need for a healthy tank, including the fish! They have fresh and salt water animals and products. They will also test your water for free and give you advice on how to keep you animals healthy. My kids love going here just to see the beautiful sea life and turtles outside. They even have starfish, shrimp and sea anenome. Check it out! read more

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I almost didn't want to leave this place. I fell in love at DOME. I mean how much more awesome can a place be that has selected a DOME for it's HOME? Plus there are some of the coolest Fishies, Shrimpies, and Corral (ies?) I've ever seen. There's a fish in there I like so much, I'm willing to get a salt tank just to have him. HE MUST BE MINE!!! Can't tell you which one, or everyone will want one. He's cute, like a puppy, or something. (without the fur). There's 2 levels in side, and they welcome browsers. The peep's running this shop are nice, it just makes me want to go back, all of it. Also, I've been telling everyone I see about this place I liked it so much. Side note: While we didn't actually buy anything, I noticed the prices are a little steep on aquariums and equipment, but from what I later understood it's high quality gear and well worth it, if your wallet and bank can handle it. read more

This is the best place for aquarium supplies and fish. They have a great selection of tropical and marine fish and are very knowledgeable. They always take the time to answer my questions. Love this place! read more

Great variety of fish including some supplies and fish I haven't been able to get at other stores! Staff is very helpful so it's easy to see why there was a line of people more than happy to wait given that this business is practicing covid safe distancing in the store. read more

Fishy!!!! I am not a connoisseur of fish by any stretch of the imagination but you know who is.... the staff at Austin Aqua-Dome. This place actually really surprised me when I went in because I thought it was going to be a dinky little fish store but the selection is amazing. They have pretty much every fresh water fish you could think of plus a huge selection of saltwater fish and crustaceans. I do not even own an aquarium but I thoroughly enjoy going here and looking at the fish and then hanging out for a few minutes out back checking out the coy and turtle ponds. If you have aquariums or have considered buying one this should be your only stop for everything you need. If you like fish but don't like the work (like me) this is a great place to stop by and look at the selection. I really found the saltwater area upstairs to be the best. read more

Cool store if you are a fish geek like me. Their prices are very reasonable as well. They have lots of interesting tetras and a diverse and healthy selection of salt water fish. My only complaint is that there was a tank that was obviously infested with ick. Usually, stores will mark the tank as "not for sale" as they treat the water, but it didn't seem like that was the case. I'm more of a livebearer fan myself so the pickings were slim, but that's the norm if you like guppies. They don't do well after transport so it is common to see few choices at even the best fish stores. I bought a bumble bee shrimp for my microtank to clean algae and it's doing great! I might come back to pick up another one when I am in that side of town. read more

Friendly and helpful staff. Fair prices. Large assortment of fish, supplies, etc. I never had any problems with fish from there. They are my 'go-to' place for stuff in south Austin. read more

Love love love the Aqua-Dome. Thank you for everything you do Gary and Terry(I hope I spelled that right). Soon I'll be adding seven more tanks to my setup, and you know I'll be back read more

I really want to give this place more stars but lately I can't. I get it, y'all have a great selection! But y'alls customer service has gone downhill in the past year. I drive out here at least once or twice a month. I call ahead to make sure you have stock. Today I chose 2 pairs of $50 fish and several others... spent almost $200. I let y'all know I'm traveling to make sure the air and bags are nice and tight. 20 mins I look at my fish and two bags are already looking like a deflated balloon! Seriously? Can y'all take time with customers and their items they choose? Don't smack your nets in the tank, don't throw my fish as if I was a bother picking them out, and bag these fish up properly! Your prices aren't the best so it's a good idea to keep the customers you have by just being more caring about what y'all are doing. The short lady with the straight bangs... please stop rushing! You rush us and everything even when there's no one else in the store! Sheeez. read more

This place has every type of fish you can think of!!! Their staff is super knowledgeable and knows the answer to any question you can throw their way. I got advice about curing a sickness my fish had and getting my tank ready for more and they definitely helped out. Only negatives are that a couple times I've been in there it took a while before I was asked if I needed any help. Also, I was bummed when I overhead someone try to buy a fish and was told bluntly that they were sick and not for sale...seems like they could've had a little sign on the tank or something. Pretty reasonable prices. Overall, I like the place and will go back. read more

This is the coolest aquarium shop I have ever been to. The fish appear to be super healthy, all of the freshwater tanks are labeled with scientific names, the freshwater section is TOP notch. Tanks are clean. Prices are super fair. Any cichlids hobbyist will be very impressed with selection and size of what they have to offer. Huge selection of rocks, sand and substrate and their salt selection is unbeatable as well. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who needs fish in Austin. read more

So knowledgeable and friendly! Hunter is such an amazing resource. As is Teri! I started my first tank and it's thriving! Best reef-keeping advice I've received in Austin! read more

Went to look at the quality of their freshwater fish, shrimp, and hard-scaping supplies. The shrimp tanks were crazy overgrown with algae and their sponge filters were gross. Looking at the fish there was one tetra that was missing its rear fin completely, so I wouldn't trust the health of those fish. Their stone selection wasn't good. There was a box labeled Dragon Stone with none in it and that's what I was looking for because it is a great inert stone to use that won't mess up water parameters. They also only had a little driftwood and spiderwood, no manzanita. Besides that they were also understaffed. No one asked if I needed help, they were all running around. read more

I wouldn't consider their customer service anything more that a 2. The old man at the register didn't raise a finger to advise (owner maybe?). He did some finger pointing and "look over there" comments. Margins must be high to not care about a sale. read more

They do have a variety of fish. Staff are not very friendly. I have to hunt them down even in the middle of an order to get my fish. There were some dead fish in quite a few tanks. The main thing is the staff are not friendly so we won't be back. read more

This place is fantastic. So much better than Aquatek, which I think might be their primary competitor. They don't have quite as big of a selection, but they have super healthy fish (zero dead in the tanks the 3 times I've been there) and super sincere, helpful staff. read more

Nice place to look at the fish. NEVER buy anything from this store. They have BEARD ALGEA throughout the their entire system. My tank was in great shape. I bought 1 fish from this store.... beard algae started to grow. PLEASE GOOGLE " How much damage can beard algae do? I tried buying algae eating fish, bleaching my ornaments, removing the plants the algae killed adding chemicals that make my fish sick. I went back to the store and found it is in every one of their tanks. They will recommend buying more fish that might eat it or a cleaner. None of this works. If it did, they would have cleaned out their own tanks. So, if you buy something from this store.. think of it as you are also going to give your tank Herpes. Except Herpies is not as prevalent and there is no Valtrex. read more

Fishies!!! I can't believe I've lived here for years and hadn't been here until just recently. This place makes me wanna be a better person. This place makes me wanna be the kind of person that can manage a huge wall sized salt water fish tank without seeing fish floating belly up at the end of the week. This place makes me wanna be the kind of person who could manage an outdoor pond full of cute turtles, koi and water lilies. They have an awesome selection of fish and accoutrements for all those better people. For me, they have an awesome selection of fish and accoutrements to look at, to dream about, to make me wanna be a better person. read more

I went there to buy some Amano Shrimp and was excited that they finally had some. I bought 4 and couldn't wait to get them into my tank. A few days go by and I notice that they are doing much at all. I went to AquaTek and they also had some Amano Shrimp so I bought 2 from them. I showed them the pics I had taken of the shrimp I bought from AquaDome and was informed they sold me ghost shrimp. So I now own 4 of the most expensive ghost shrimp around. If I wanted ghost shrimp I could've bought them for .33 at petsmart.....oh well lesson learned read more

I am more of a saltwater guy so I always just go upstairs and don't pay attention to anything else. Their saltwater section is the best Austin has to offer! They have a huge area filled with the healthiest and rarest corals on the market at a great price. In addition, they also sell small frags for about 5 dollars. For a financially limited college student, this is a pretty good deal. Furthermore, there is a vast array of beautiful fish and invertebrates that are all healthy. This place is definitely worth checking out if you are marine hobbyist! They are also one of the few fish stores in Austin that give a military discount! In fact, to join their membership club as a military member, you join at half the price! The man in charge of the saltwater section is friendly and very knowledgeable. I only have a small suggestion for the store: That man up there needs more help! LOL. He always seems to have a line of 5 or 6 customers and you can tell he is stressed. read more

Minus one star because I always see a dead saltwater fish upstairs and you KNOW those guys are expensive. What can I say? This place is like a fun aquarium: tons of fish to view, both salt and freshwater. They have okay prices, but they have a fantastic selection. They even sell supplies of all kinds for aquariums, ponds, etc. The staff will educate you on what you need to know, and the place itself is fun because it's like a dive-y fish shop. Pun intended. read more

Great selection of fish and the staff is great they can answer any questions. Also the prices are awesome. They have everything you need for saltwater and fresh water. They also have a lot of koi fish and turtles they will let you feed them. read more

Let me start off with I absolutely love the selection at aquadome and they have live rock and plants at a decent price. But because they don't have enough people on staff at once their customer service is lacking. I used to go once sometimes twice a week if we were buying water also, but only go about once a month now and usually don't buy anything or ask questions anymore. It is always a hunt to find someone to help you and once you do find someone they're busy and irritated that your pulling them away from what they're doing or there are 5 other people following them around waiting to be helped. Bummer. I am also not impressed with their lack of knowledge. Honestly it wouldn't be a problem if they were just honest and told me they did not know the answer to whatever question I have had in the past. All in all I love aquadome and will continue to come here, but I definitely don't spend money here like I used to. read more

Fantastic freshwater variety, tanks are clean and livestock have always appeared healthy. Their customer service is top notch, my go to for all my local aquarium needs. read more

I love aquadome. I'm there every couple of weeks to stock up on food/ cartridges, etc. The owner is so incredibly kind. I went in with a clogged filter wanting to buy a new one, and he fixed the old one for free insisting I not buy another! What a great place. read more

One of the best fish stores in Austin. I wish I lived closer so i'd get to visit more often, but even if you are far it's definitely worth the trip! Very highly recommended. read more